Annual Report 2016/2017

  • August 16, 2017

Submitted by CBABC Sections

Summary of Meetings

Number of Meetings Held: 7

September 28, 2016
Guest Speaker: Trevor Topping, CPA, CA, CBV, Chartered Business Valuator
Meeting Title/Topic: Business Valuations in Family Law
Synopsis: Trevor Topping discussed business valuations for family law. The discussion included the process, the options and the cost of business valuations.

October 28, 2016
Guest Speaker: Charles Maurice Hill, M.Ed., M.A
Meeting Title/Topic: Strategies for Determining the Best Interests of the Child
Synopsis: Charles Maurice Hill, M.Ed., M.A discussed strategies for determining what the Best Interests of the Children are in Family Law Cases.

November 17, 2016
Guest Speaker: Larry Leischner
Meeting Title/Topic: Divorce Coaches: The Role They Play in Family Law Cases
Synopsis: Larry Leischner presented on the Role of Divorce Coaches in Family Law Cases.

February 24, 2017
Guest Speaker: Patricia Lalonde CFP - Financial Mediator and NFP
Meeting Title/Topic: The Benefits to You and Your Client of Having One Clear Financial Document
Synopsis: A discussion of the benefits of having one financial document that both clients participate in creating with a neutral person with financial training who can answers their financial questions. Further an examination of how having one jointly prepared financial document creates a level playing field when it comes to making the financial decisions and how it might further the goals of reaching settlement on family files.

March 31, 2017
Guest Speaker: Joanna Recalma, Recalma Law
Meeting Title/Topic: Exploring Themes of Truth & Reconciliation in Family Law Litigation
Synopsis: This section meeting explored how the themes raised by the 2015 Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada arise in the context of family law litigation. Recently, in an unreported case from the Provincial Court of British Columbia, the impact of residential schools was taken into account in a sensitive and meaningful way which positively impacted a family and Indigenous community’s relationship with the justice system. The lessons outlined in the 2015 Final Report of the TRC are having an impact on justice system and in particular on the family law justice system. This session aimed to highlight and promote that positive impact.

May 24, 2017
Guest Speakers: Charles N. Chandler, BA, FCPA, FCA, CBV, and Karl Michael, CPA, CA, CBV from Grant Thornton LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Grant Thronton LLP Presents: Business Valuations and Corporate Financial Statements
Synopsis: Some topics that were discussed include:
How can we as Family Lawyers direct our clients to the appropriate people to assist with the peripheral issues in family law cases.
Often clients own companies, but they are small and it is unclear when we should be seeking the assistance of business valuations, a discussion of levels of assessment and the rates was explored.
We also discussed corporate financial statements and what might be flags for family lawyers to encourage our clients to invest in a CBV’s report. The presenters also provided a brief introduction on how to read corporate financial statements.
They also discussed how they prepare retroactive valuations.

June 21, 2017
Guest Speaker: Joan Cotie - Joan Cotie Mediation & Consulting Ltd.
Meeting Title/Topic: Parenting Coordination with Joan Cotie AND SECTION ELECTIONS
Synopsis: We opened our meeting with annual election of Section Executive. Following the elections, Joan discussed the topic What is Parenting Coordination? She provided family law practicioners with insight into when and how a Parenting Coordinator can help. She also answered questions about the other areas of her practice including but not limited to: Hear the Child Reports, Mediaton, Arbitration, and Section 211 Reports.

Comments and Observations of the Chair

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